Almost all children with Down syndrome will experience sleep problems during childhood. However, sleep is not often a priority for management, with the focus being on other more acute medical problems. Studies have shown that children with Down syndrome who also have sleep problems have poorer outcomes and family functioning can be significantly affected by […]

Join us for an engaging session that will kick off with the launch of a new video designed to enhance the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s (NZDSA) employment resource kit. Created in partnership with Kindred – Psychology at Work, this video is a key component in promoting inclusive hiring practices and supporting both job seekers […]

In 2020 the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association's (NZDSA) leadership and advisory group for people with Down syndrome, known as STRIVE, decided to conduct research to understand how people with Down syndrome in Aotearoa New Zealand were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and the first major lockdown. The presenters will discuss the team's experiences and […]

This presentation is aimed at parents of young people with Down syndrome, focusing on the profound impact of speech-language therapy in enhancing their child's quality of life. The presentation will emphasise how speech-language therapy goes beyond communication skills, serving as a key component in fostering independence, confidence, and overall well-being.Victoria joined UpsideDowns in January of […]

Numicon and other approaches have provided schools and families with tools to make the understanding and use of maths accessible. The results are exciting and provide a justification for the inclusive education of our children. The impact of inclusion is far-reaching. We will explore the challenges of maths, research in education of children with Down […]

When democracy was first getting started, only men with property could vote. these days, in most parts of the world, everyone over the age of 18 can have a say in who their leaders are - whether they have two X chromosomes or three copies of chromosome 21! Unfortunately, much of the political process is […]

It's crucial to consider how children and young people develop their ability to express themselves through spoken, visual, and written language. Teachers and families can aid in this development by using a range of tools. Inclusive literacy design helps students develop their literacy skills across all subjects. It aims to improve their understanding, competency, communication, […]

It is commonly known that ‘early intervention’ is key in ensuring the best possible outcomes for children with Down syndrome. And while access to a comprehensive team of therapists to support this is ideal, it is often not an option in Aotearoa for all whānau. However, there is a lot that families can do without […]

Two of the most common, yet challenging, questions that Dr Skotko is asked by caregivers: (1) How can you prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome? and (2) How might we boost their cognition? While exciting research is unfolding in laboratories across the world, there are strategies that caregivers can take right now in […]